Charlie Puth Covers Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” Live on the Stern Show

[@manningbartlett522]

It's a song that EVERY songwriter wishes they had written. A true, eternal masterpiece.

[@ASTyner]

Absolutely

[@ladonnatartoni9339]

He is so amazing with his song's and collaboration with others.

[@ladonnatartoni9339]

Absolutely gorgeous what a beautiful redemption ❤️

[@DeeEllEff]

Bonnie has some great songs, but this one must be the best! I feel blessed to have met and interviewed Bonnie on her bus when I reviewed music/concerts back in college, before she’d even written this one. Back then she was merely the greatest female slide guitar player ever (second only to Duane Allman). Thank you, Bonnie Raitt!

[@crystalsharp6163]

He is really at his best when it's just his piano, his voice and his artistic interpretation. Sometimes simplicity brings out the most beauty.

[@cduemig1]

Years ago I wanted to open an acoustic performance hall. Big bands unplugged all the time. I absolutely love acoustic performances. They really let the emotions shine.

[@shaneliffin6116]

Yes!

[@FrancinaHerasme]

Agree❤

[@drmedwuast]

And autotune.

[@upchunk22]

And a hell of a lot of autotune

[@alvarotomas5009]

Has to be the best love song ever written. George Michael's version live is out of this world.

[@Utube-g3g]

I think George’s vh1 live unplugged is the best version after Bonnie.

[@juanantoniogomezdelpulgarg2273]

@@Utube-g3g bon iver>>

[@leahm10]

I love his version so much. George's voice has a way to carry the emotion. I'm not sure how else to describe it, but it has soul to it. My favorite for sure, but charlie does do a pretty good job

[@johnallan3590]

Speaks volumes just how beautiful and haunting this song is - that whoever sings it just captivates the audience. Lovely rendition here from Charlie. Superb composition by Bonnie. The late great George Michael version is unsurpassable for me tho kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5O6e4Juh7KaZ6M

[@sharkley1981]

Adele.

[@barelystephen]

Howard's sound engineer is so consistently great no matter if its Metallica,full band setup or just Charlie and a piano. 10/10 performance.

[@jos1nueve]

Agreed. I was expecting the reverb to come in when he started singing but not at that level. I heard the compression and some delay on point. Of course the pinch of autotune as well 😂

[@bluesti3]

Autotune is WAY too strong here... it's distracting. Can hear the artifacts of it way too much...

[@platinumvuestudio]

@@bluesti3Hmm. I’m not feeling or hearing that.

[@bluesti3]

@@platinumvuestudio It there for sure, I’ve done sound engineering. Very obvious at the first “I can’t make you love me”…

[@kashirkhan4237]

Yep

[@catchcomedy]

Charlie is an amazing talent, and this is one of the best versions of this timeless classic I've ever heard. I don't think I will ever get over social media's characterization of the 2023 song of the year winner, as an obscure blues singer. Not to take anything away from Beyoncé or Taylor Swift, but Bonnie Raitt is one of the most important artists of the past 40 years.

[@TheHitchkick]

George Michaels cover was pretty hot too

[@3000agape]

One aspect of Charlie’s greatness is that he is a consummate music historian. His take on this transcendent song, covered by the likes of Nancy Wilson, Will Downing, George Michael, Tank, Samoht, and countless others, demonstrates his deep knowledge & reverence for Jazz and the Blues.

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Except this song isn’t jazz or blues. It was on the hot 100 and adult contemporary charts.

[@SoccerDua]

And he didn’t credit the writers of the song. It ain’t Bonnie rait.

[@JazzyJae88]

Boyz II Men did a pretty good cover too.

[@TJtoho]

So love Charlie Puth and this is such an outstanding cover of a special song.

[@RebeccaTom-g7g]

gen z spotted

[@kenrogers1948]

I have no idea who Charlie Puth is but he's a smart, thoughtful young guy... But what makes this song special is the lived experience that comes through in the vocal delivery... I don't want to wish that experience on anyone, but...

[@lplp1546]

Sometimes we need hear a beautifully written song by someone incredibly talented to perform it, that help us heal our broken hearts.

[@hana-eb2wq]

He loves this song so much and I've heard him cover it several times, each time with a slightly different piano arrangement that fascinates me every time I hear it. His live show is like a once in a lifetime experience.❤

[@AndyZadeh]

❤

[@erikferner374]

Didn’t know Charlie before this interview but heard him speaking with Howard and couldn’t turn it off. Natural in music and in an interview. Phenomenal version, great rapport between he and Howard. Hope he makes a return to the channel soon.

[@jessicamoore589]

Damm, where were you from 2015-2019 😂😂

[@Malcolmdeeb]

Do yourself a favor and learn about him. He is a freakishly talented musician. Truly brilliant.

[@Matt-fe6wu]

He’s very very well known globally, he’s written some of the most popular songs over the last few years too.

[@bradleydanecook]

I can't get over this cover.. Charlie, we need an acoustic album please :)

[@MusoStuu]

The strongest line, isn’t, ‘I can’t make you love me’, it’s this line: ‘I will lay down my heart and I’ll feel the power.’ This is a very very profound sentiment indeed, because the writer has come to terms with the fact that they are not loved back - and then, lay their own heart down, and by doing so, feel the power of doing so. It’s probably the deepest element of love, itself, to lay one’s love down and to accept things as they are whilst still utterly loving the other person, even unrequited. Great sounds, Charlie x ❤

[@timotheaevans]

He just went so gentle... very sweet and soft. You can hear his vibrato because he's so relaxed 😊😊🥺🥺

[@florinsia2570]

That is not a vibrato. That is autotune. He has neither the feeling, nor the voice to sing that. Or the experience. Sorry, but its just mimicking the feeling. IT s not visceral, as IT should be.

[@wowow8925]

That is definitely vibrato, Charlie had really really good vibrato in most of his songs, and auto tune doesn’t add vibrato to his voice. He definitely had the feeling and experience to sing with vibrato, he’s been singing publicly for over 13 years!

[@DaveDFFA]

@@wowow8925 He's a great singer but that is 100% autotune, lol. He's doing it for the effect. (Source: Teach recording engineering and mixing lol)

[@steamboatmcwrigley561]

Easy to sing gently when autotune carries you lmao

[@KM00Youtube]

@@florinsia2570 He has neither the feeling, nor the voice to sing that. Or the experience. ......because I have been there, you speak the truth.....😢

[@larry-g8e]

Did not expect the tenor tone. So subtle.So pure.

[@shannon9564]

Written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, giving them credit for a gorgeous, heartfelt song.

[@Claidhbh]

Mike Reid also recorded it, did a great version.

[@drmattdixon]

I read that they initially wrote it as a bluegrass song. My favorite song to play on keys. Nice job here Charlie.

[@michaelroberts7959]

I'm amazed at how many sites fail to credit the songwriters! Actually I'm not. Bonnie Raitt is usually credited and I'm sure she's keen for others to know she didn't write it - she just delivered the definitive version of a great song.

[@stephenmckenna8026]

Charlie is so incredibly talented, his voice and music skills are phenomenal, I hope he releases this version.

[@noelenehazell8454]

That was the most heartfelt I have seen Charlie play - beautiful rendition 😍🎶

[@DebbieDenkeMusic]

Ooh, you can tell by the way he sings the Charlie is really feeling the emotion of this song! Perfect piano voicings provide just the right backdrop to enhance his voice & the song's message.

[@fileundervalued]

Incredible song, and I feel like Bruce Hornsby's piano had a huge role in it

[@sukriti608]

I keep going back to George’s Michael MTV unplugged cover of this song. So powerful ❤

[@malina7373]

Agree! My favourite cover ❤

[@jillybeancadney6229]

Probably my favorite song ever and to hear Charlie do it? Total bliss. On repeat and Howard's reaction gets me too

[@dannymora5611]

He has a great voice and that’s a beautiful song.

[@lutoph]

There may be better songs, maybe, but it is absolutely a song that, once you hear it, you will never, ever forget it. It is such a triumph of emotion and musicality.

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Perfectly stated. Unforgettable

[@KarajuanaM]

One of my absolute favorite songs! Hearing Howard’s interview with Charlie was compelling. This cover was the absolute cherry on top!

[@davedoesyt]

I’ve said it once and I’ll keep saying it. Charlie is a generational talent, one of the best musicians we’ll ever see and hear.

[@melzyofwonderland7363]

Great performance ❤️💝💝💛💛💙💝❤️💜💖💚💜❤️❤️💙💛💛💙💝💝💖💖💚❤️❤️💙💛💝❤️💝💜💚💖❤️❤️💝💛💛💝❤️💖💖💚💖💜❤️💝💛💛💝❤️💜💖💚💖❤️💝💛💝💝💖💚❤️❤️💙💙💝❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@TXNitroFord]

Agreed him Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars are so damn talented

[@PianoShorts007]

😂☠️

[@baukejosh]

Yup

[@josephasong2096]

Do you even know what generational talent means?

[@MessyJessy123]

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played this. I absolutely love this rendition. 🎹🎤❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ojyakimo]

you should listen to the teddy swims version

[@patriciagallagher6027]

I'm with you my friend. Bonnie is my generation.

[@trublu3483]

Check out bon Iver cover

[@JRKA]

Josh Grobans cover is ridiculous

[@rainbowhearts9525]

I always loved this song and would listen to it after each heartbreak I went through. I think I accidently trained my brain to instantly start crying the moment I try to start singing it😅

[@Floruisse]

Charlie, the way your voice quivers… you’ve made this beautiful song your own

[@pathoward2940]

Just the opening bars brought tears to my eyes...such a beautiful sad song.

[@paigeawin]

Charlie has such a beautiful voice.

[@sketchergirl7]

His voice is so real and so evolved since he's started singing. Perfection!

[@MrLogan1219]

This is the best I've heard his voice

[@poolhall9632]

3:40 this section is incredible. Could have easily gone wrong, but his control is perfect.

[@infuseme2]

Great song, but for the record she didn't write the song "I Can't Make You Love Me" is a song written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin and recorded by Bonnie Raitt. Let's give credit where credit is due. His piano playing is super!

[@FIGBARFILMS]

I think Mike Reid played for the Bengals?

[@micgant]

This is the problem with these younger people. They don’t know their history or facts. They know likes and algorithms.

[@zakcorrigan5142]

@@micgant looks like he’s knows singing and piano too

[@imalwaysright]

She has a production credit on it though.

[@imalwaysright]

@@micgant He didn't say she wrote it.

[@olemattsmusak]

Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, George Michael, Charlie and Adele…. They each made this song their own which is so difficult, speaking as a piano based singer/songwriter. Props to the mix and to Pugh! Keep on truckin’ mate! Cheers from Nashville!

[@Karen.c.h]

I would add Bon Iver to that list

[@petealvarado1311]

I would also add Teddy Swims rendition

[@ryanevans8566]

Prince is in there as well.

[@anubischick]

Prince wrote it.

[@ryanevans8566]

@@anubischick Prince did not write "I Can't Make You Love Me". It was two country songwriters (Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Can%27t_Make_You_Love_Me

[@GabrielGarcia-to3sv]

I loved hearing this this morning. He sounds amazing. Tks Stern Show!

[@atumunrah5734]

This is pure gold ❤ Now we need a studio version.

[@yahboyee28]

Beautiful. Was emotional just hearing the chords. Oof. Music is so powerful. 💕

[@lyktahlyktah8528]

This is a great cover. Charlie Puth has an exceptional voice, but there is just something how Bonnie Raitt sings this.

[@charpnatl]

I’d just stated college when this song came out. Up until that point I my young life I’d not experienced THIS kind of heartache. I’d experienced lots of loneliness, longing, anticipation of leaving my little hometown. I remember listening to Bonnie sing this one and thinking my god let me experience this hurt LOL!!!! Cue the rapid session of rejection, exclusion, two faced individuals , circulated rumors ….. but this beautiful song was there to catch me and carry me through. I love Charlie’s take on this classic too!

[@jstringer4900]

Those chords! That voice. Bravo. Pointing out the composers of this song were Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin.

[@wendybrown500]

I need him to record this, but until then I’ll come here and listen. Stunning.

[@changinlooks1]

I’ve always always loved Charlie Puth and I just stnbled on this and this song happens to be one of my all time favorites and I cover Bonnie Raitt all the time!!!! Yay!!!!

[@hughjames8339]

I was going though a thing with a woman when Bonnie recorded this song .still gets me every time i hear it .

[@AZ-xi4yy]

This song takes me back to when my boyfriend wanted to break up and I listened to this song over and over, it’s very healing

[@Casperazi]

Charlie, why did you have to make this even sadder with your beautiful voice and that piano sound! My eyes aren’t gonna recover from over crying to this! I love it! I'll close my eyes, then I won't see the love you don't feel when you're holding me

[@StanCat4]

I love Charlie so much. This was a phenomenal performance. 🫶🏼✨❤️‍🔥

[@clarissadiokno]

I love this performance. This is my absolute favourite performance of Charlie. You can see he really connects with the song. Beautiful, well done 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MasettiPF]

One of the best songs ever written! Absolutely beautiful performance of this classic

[@Krise343]

His tone, his voice, is ethereal.

[@deettekearns9092]

One of my favorite songs. EVER. Thank you!

[@panda55c]

@Charlie P you’re not Charlie Puth!!

[@johnbolton2183]

It’s an incredible song for sure. Maybe discovering during the turmoil if heartbreak also just seals it on you, always love hearing this song.

[@calebyetton]

Just makes me want to watch Justin Vernon’s cover

[@neon_berni]

Agreed!!!

[@rebeccakurtz7575]

His vocal abilities are so incredible and can make you feel EVERYTHING, every single time!!!

[@shan.abeyrathne]

This took me to another dimension. Charlie is always amazing! ❤

[@carlodelafuente8807]

Unreal. Would love to see the magical music minds of Charlie, Jacob Collier, and David Foster as an example do a tour together. Imagine how deep and insighful that show would be, not to mention the best songs of all time played by them.

[@Dlambi]

Beautiful cover! This show always has great sound engineering. Much appreciated!

[@FIGBARFILMS]

Really beautiful. Bonnie Raitt did not write this song. She sung the hell out of it and played the hell out of it. This was very touching and beautiful as well.

[@ericfast3986]

Apparentlyyyy some of y’all haven’t heard the Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) version

[@peterookotai6965]

Everyone has covered this song. Its a hell of a song

[@jeremyallennossette6426]

Bonnie's original is the best always! George Michael and Prince both have beauteaus renditions of the song but this is great that this song is living on and Charlie did a good job.

[@joejames4095]

you do know she didn't write or compose this....?

[@rickfigueiredo9764]

Absolutely right. Bonnie’s masterpiece. I lived this moment.

[@khalidjohnson8148]

this is his greatest performance

[@brentdaniel2163]

Props to the sound engineer, great mix!

[@thomasgregoryjr4571]

Howard is still and always will be the best interviewer. He has the ability to make everyone he has on his show interesting

[@panda55c]

100% agreed! No one can beat HS!

[@candyapple5924]

Love it, he put such a tender and fragile spin on it. ❤❤️🥰

[@tennajones1251]

Gives u goosebumps when u hear this song....

[@jonasjrgensen8339]

One of the first times i cried to a song... what a beautiful performance.

[@laurawilliams5363]

He did a job singing this classic.

[@gogumsaba]

Loved this, and love singing this song. It's so hard to get the "if you don't" part out without my voice shaking. So powerful. I felt that in his voice, too.

[@jakeandedgar]

Timeless. Priceless. If humanity were a song.

[@heathermaxwell9890]

Come on. Bonnie..do a duet with. Charlie... The world needs this song back 2024... Love you both..... Laying down my heart....feeling the power of this song...need a lover

[@kcproduction2984]

This is the most wonderful interpretation of an incredibly well written song. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G...

[@Mayabee321]

I love this song so much! It really is the song of all songs. Charlie did a fantastic cover.

[@allpicturenosound]

George Michael closely followed by Bon Iver’s versions for me. Can’t listen to any version of it without a tear escaping though

[@micahclawrence]

I get unreasonably mad at a lot of the new young musicians being sold as talented. I got zero issues with this kid’s success. He’s the bona fide genuine article and would have made it in any era.

[@JustineCarissa]

I love this cover of his! He has other videos of this cover but this is the full one recorded without audience noise in the background!

[@IndomitableT]

… if Howard Stern had waited just one or two seconds to make his appreciation known …, it would have been nearly perfect! Sometimes silence is the best appreciation.😌

[@alexanhellberg]

Beautiful. What a Journey he has done, and he gives back so much to other upcoming artists. Amazing!

[@anitakoorn3448]

I've been singing this song for over 10 years now. It speaks to my ❤️

[@steveverdoo1859]

Charlie, that was fantastic. You did it justice.

[@nemesio888]

sends chills up my spine... beautifully sung

[@pushpa6378]

Wow Charlie really sounds amazing & plays beautifully. How am I only just seeing this now. I truly love this song 🎶❤️

[@brooklynboy1000]

Very brave to puth to try to sing this as Bonnie’s version is amazing. Her voice has the years the road the smoke and tequila and the real heartache of living life. Charlie is a true talent who has put the time in to become a real musician. I believe on her version she has herbie Hancock on piano. A true master

[@pbfloyd9b]

Bruce Hornsby was on the piano

[@ndowroccus4168]

This was mesmerizing!

[@le_th_]

Respectable cover or an eternally gorgeous and pain-filled song. Lovely performance.

[@SharonBrito-b8z]

Love it when he sings by himself and the piano❤️

[@MrPaoloscalera]

Masterpiece ❤ shivering on my spine 🙌

[@mikebrotemarkle2232]

He did the song justice, he really makes the song his own.

[@jillybeancadney6229]

Thank you Charlie! And Howard!

[@caitlinchegwidden1700]

I can remember where I was the first time I heard this song. It was a cover and I later found out it was originally performed by Bonnie Raitt. It somehow captured everything I was feeling and continue to feel.

[@jefferydeborah]

This is a wonderful rendition of this song. You captured the emotion of this wonderful song.

[@JazzyJae88]

The original and every cover I had heard of this song is beautiful.

[@whyatt5583]

Love Charlie Puth!! Great interview!! Love to watch him play the piano!!

[@leahkrawczyk5912]

One of the most beautifully tragic songs of all time covered by one of the most talented artists of this time. Just incredible!

[@sheilamerritt8654]

beautifully sung with such simple vulnerability👏👏great job Charlie!

[@corycooldangerous]

This needs to be released. This live performance.

[@dorisfloyd9992]

Oh my goodness..Charlie Puth has a wonderful and purely powerful voice. He has a unique quality. I have an embarrassing confession to make; although I listen to music every single day, I had not heard of Charlie Puth. Thank you for introducing him! (I am headed over to Apple Music now to start a playlist. ❤

[@dimebagdave4596]

He is amazing

[@bronwyn117]

He has many amazing songs!

[@cocheshiperdesportivos7181]

kids a musical genius - mom was a music teacher - humble beginnings.

[@jeroenamador7001]

I've listened to that song for over 30 years. That song plays exactly how I feel.

[@DucNguyen-rv3pz]

Love this song and Charlie did it justice

[@maggyxchuu]

I love that he loves this song, the moment when he’s like you don’t know how to feel while listening. Charlie puth I connect with you so much.